We chat to Holly Throsby on the eve of her show at ANU on Friday 15 April. Plus, keep reading for your chance to WIN tickets to see Holly at ANU plus a copy of her album.

You’re coming up to the final leg of your tour at the moment – how has it been?
It has been rich and varied [laughs]. It’s been good – it’s a very spread out tour and the whole band has been enjoying numerous days off in various locations so it’s been quite fun really.

What’s been you highlight?
We played in Cairns on the weekend which is always great because we play in this old converted WWII oil tank which they’ve turned into an Arts Centre and a venue. And we had a great time in Tasmania and we ate lots of apples. We like travelling as a band. If you’re a person who doesn’t like to travel it can be a little bit difficult..

How have you found the switch from being the support to being the main act?
Well it’s funny really, I have supported so many bands over the years and it is hard to remember that you don’t need to get off the stage in order to make the crowd happy. It is always a different experience when you’re playing your own show. We really enjoy the shows – we have a lot of fun. And of course I get to have supports myself, for example Laura Jean who is coming to Canberra as well as local Canberra band ‘Cat Cat’.

You’ve toured with some amazing people – who was your highlight?
Touring with Paul Kelly in Ireland and England was fantastic because I’m a big fan and it was really lovely to be overseas with him. But here in Australia, I mean people like Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, Joanna Newsom and Bill Callahan. They’re three of my real favourite artists, so being able to hang out and share the same stage is a real honour.

What did you find more challenging, recording your album of children’s songs, ‘See!’, or your latest album, ‘Team’?
I didn’t find See challenging, I found it really interesting and a very enjoyable record. It was an experiment really that ended up being released. It was something I had as an idea to do a kid’s album – it was kind of a joke to begin with. Because I’d written some kids songs for my God daughter and her brother and some friends with kids and I thought it would be nice to record them just for them, kind of as a gift. But as I began writing more and more songs, I got interested in the idea of releasing it. As an album it had this hilarious response – I get letters from toddlers in the mail and drawings that they send. It’s really cute!

What are you most looking forward to at the end of your tour?
I’m looking forward to sleeping quite a lot. I actually have another project that I’m working on with some friends of mine, so I think it’ll actually be from thing to another. Hopefully in the mean time I plan on running off to the south coast with my dog for at least a weekend away and do nothing. I always like having projects to work on – I enjoy having time off but I really enjoy making things.

Win!
We have 2 double passes to see Holly Throsby at ANU on Friday 15 April 2011 plus a copy of her album ‘Team’ to give away. For your chance to WIN simply answer the following question:

Q: What is the name of Holly Throsby’s children’s album, released in 2010?

Email your answer to [email protected] with your full name and postal address, and ‘Holly Throsby’ in the subject field. Only winners will be notified by email. Competition closes 9.00am, Thursday 14 April 2011.